Firefighter struck and killed during controlled fire in Hunterdon County

(Readington Volunteer Fire Department)

March 28, 2013 2:08:48 PM PDT

Eyewitness News

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, New Jersey --

Authorities say a firefighter with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was struck and killed during a controlled burn in Hunterdon County.

The victim was working along Route 629 in Clinton Township Thursday.

The victim is being identified as Jeffrey Scheurer, age 35, of Raritan Township. Scheurer was also a member of the Readington Volunteer Fire Company.

According to Prosecutor Kearns, "Mr. Scheurer was working as a Firefighter with the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service. He and other members were conducting a controlled burn along Route 629 near Round Valley Reservoir. Our preliminary investigation indicates that a heavy smoke condition associated with the controlled burn was present at the time of the crash and may have caused reduced visibility when a shift in the wind occurred. Mr. Scheurer was struck by a vehicle and did not survive his injuries."

The county prosecutor's office says the preliminary investigation indicates heavy smoke associated with the controlled burn may have reduced visibility when the wind shifted and contributed to the accident.